Ohio RB Impressed With The Wildcats

Andre Cherry

03/06/2011

Days after landing an offer from Northwestern, Youngstown, Ohio three-star RB William Mahone reflects on his offer and the Wildcats.

William Mahone's versatility playing on both sides of the ball is what makes him one of the most sought after players in the state of Ohio. The junior recently added two more offers to an already impressive list of suitors.

Mahone received an offer from Northwestern this past week and the running back says he feels "really good" about it.

While he's still learning about Northwestern, Mahone says he could definitely see himself suiting up for Pat Fitzgerald's Wildcats.

"When I talked to (NU offensive line coach) Coach Cushing, he gave me a lot of insight on Coach Fitzgerald," he said. "He'll probably be there for the next five years, for sure. I know he's about Northwestern. He's a coach that I could see myself playing for."

Mahone has no favorites at this point, but as the offers continue to come in the junior says a factor in his decision will be based on whether or not the head coach is there throughout his collegiate career.

Coach Fitzgerald's previous contract wasn't set to expire until 2015, and this offseason he signed an extension to remain in Evanston beyond that date. So it's a safe bet to say that Coach Fitzgerald won't be going anywhere anytime soon.

"The fact that he's about the program and that he's been there for awhile is very appealing to me."

"I want to go to school that wins; a school that has good tradition," he said. I just want to go a school that fits me and my family the best and go from there."

At 6-foot, 205-pounds, Mahone is a durable back who knows how to finish games.

"I have good vision and I don't wear out fast, he said. "In my biggest game last year I actually did most of my damage in the fourth quarter. I feel like I have great stamina. I have speed, it's not like a 4.3 but I don't get caught from behind.

The standout draws some comparisons to another Ohio native and former Northwestern back, Tyrell Sutton.

During Sutton's senior season at Archbishop Hoban the running back amassed over 3,000 yards rushing with 38 touchdowns. As a young child, Mahone remembers watching Sutton dominate against Youngstown Ursuline in 2004. The future Wildcat ran for 505 yards and scored 8 times in that game.

"He's a very hard runner, I like to run hard too," Mahone said. "I was in 5th grade when I saw him. (Sutton) just kept his motor running the whole game."

Ever since witnessing that record-setting game against Ursuline, Mahone says he followed Sutton's career at Northwestern. The junior playmaker appreciates how the Wildcats run their offense.

"It's a very versatile offense just like mine here in Ohio," he said. "I like how they use their running backs. I'm just very impressed with Northwestern."

Mahone plans to take the next step in the recruiting process with a visit to Northwestern at the end of this month.